This might be a dumb question, but is it ok to put masking tape over my PCGS coin holder? I'm wanting to put a piece of tape on each of my graded PCGS coins to show how much i bought the coin for. Is this safe or will it wreck the holder or ultimately wreck the coin?
Nah, you're fine. As long as you're not using some kind of craft or construction tape w/ a super-adhesive backing.
Sounds safe...but why not just do a spreadsheet with Cert# and buy price? Personally, I don't want tape on my slabs.
It can't do anything to the coin because the coin is sealed inside the holder. It won't damage the holder in anyway, but if you decide to sell the coin, you'll have to remove the tape. The glue residue will be left on the holder, and then you're faced with getting off with either rubbing alcohol or goo gone, or something.
I just found the PCGS registry set/system and this is awesome! I'll just use this instead of using tape.
The adhesive on the tape will rot through the slab. I would recommend that you do not do it. Wait a minute. Yeah. Go ahead, it honestly won't cause harm. And if when you pull it off, it may leave residue, you can always grab some Plast-X and wipe the residue away.
Realistically, all that you risk is that others will know immediately what you paid for a coin and also if you place the tape over the hologram/sticker then you may rip part of it off when the tape is removed. Ripping part of the PCGS logo might sound rather harmless, but many folks prefer a pristine slab.
I have a 30 to 40 year old electric train loco in a plastic case that was taped shut with masking tape so it would not come open. I have tried everything to get that tape completely off. Most came off with Goo Gone, but it's as if the tape adhesive ate into the plastic and left a mark the shape of the tape that will not come off.
Masking tape adhesive has a nasty habit of hardening when subjected to even mild heat, or simply left in place for too long.
Many dealers & collectors set up an alphabetical code for the numbers 0-9 to code their cost of coins. Small Avery easy peal off stickers would be better than masking tape.
The little "Sign here" post-it stickers/notes would be a good idea too. You can write on them with black permanent marker how much you paid. Then when you want to sell and need to take it off...there won't be any residue to contend with.
In the short term you are probably OK, but like others have posted, the adhesive in masking tape, especially inexpensive masking tape is a real pain to get off after just a few months. I would recommend going to an office supply store and buying the little white adhesive labels. They only cost a buck or two for hundreds. Much neater, and are generally easier to remove. Link
